Valentine's Day is the perfect time to host a themed dinner party for cherished friends. With colorful cuisine, satisfying flavors and a chocolaty dessert, this menu fills the bill for a fun, themed party!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Butternut Squash Soup with Quick Cashew “Cream”is a simple-to-prepare potage, rich in taste and creamy in texture, without the use of dairy. A quick cashew “cream” (no pre-soaking of the cashews required) adds a touch of elegance to your party meal, and the coconut milk beverage adds richness and depth to this impressive soup. (Recipe from Vegan-Ease. Used by permission)

Fancy Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beansare a tempting and hearty entrée especially well-suited for any festive wintertime soirée. The festive presentation will grace your table, with it’s vibrant red color and satisfying taste. This is one of my favorite entrées for Valentines Day! Serve with Sweet-and-Savory Kale on the side. An appealing side dish, brown sugar adds the sweet, while the tamari provides the savory. It is a beautiful dish that will enhance any meal—and a great introduction to cooking kale, as it takes the mystery out of preparing this fantastically nutritious leafy green vegetable. (Recipe from Jazzy Vegetarian, used by permission)

Chocolate-Coconut Quick Cake with Sweet Cherry Compotefinishes your meal with a rich, chocolaty flourish! This quick-to-fix cake topped with an out-of-this word cherry topping, truly fills the bill for a Valentine’s Day showstopper! Serve it to your family and friends, and they will surely ask for seconds. (Uh-oh, maybe you’ll need to bake two cakes!) (Recipe from Vegan-Ease. Used by permission)